Groundbreaking ceremony in Landing for new sports complex

ROXBURY – Township officials, members of the recreation commission and residents were on hand Tuesday night for a groundbreaking ceremony at the $3 million Landing Road Recreation Complex. Construction at the site is scheduled to begin Aug. 1.

The 15.8-acre site, when complete, will feature three sod softball fields, 5,900 feet of walking paths, a playground area, a concession stand, and a picnic grove. The facility will also include parking for more than 220 vehicles.
All three softball fields with be irrigated and lit, and, according to a township press release, “will offer Morris County and northern New Jersey a prime location for softball tournaments.”
The facility will be ready in the fall of 2015, said Sandie DiDomenico from the recreation department.
“Horseshoe Lake is the crown jewel of Morris County,” said mayor Jim Rilee, referring to Roxbury’s premier park. “This will be crown jewel two,” he said, “especially for the people of Landing and Port Morris who have to travel across Rt. 80 to get to playing fields and parks.”
According to Greg Somjen, recreation committee member, the concept for the complex was born during a committee meeting and preliminarily drawn up on a napkin. “This is seven years in the making,” said Fred Hall, township councilman. According to Hall, the township had secured funding from the county, lost it then three years later got it back.
“There were times we thought this would never happen—so many obstacles,” said Rilee.
“I am proud of the teamwork the recreation committee showed,” said Hall. “We are proud to offer this park to the residents of Landing,” he said.